Frequently Asked Questions About Residential Solar Panels

Is it Really Worth it to Go Solar?

Yes! Solar technology offers a slew of benefits and advantages that traditional energy systems simply can’t offer you. An obvious value of solar technology is the money you save on your monthly utility bill. In some cases, you can even make money off a solar array by selling excess power back to the utility company. Not only that, you’re investing in sustainable energy that reduces your impact on global climate change.

Will I no longer have an electric bill with solar panels?

If you make use of a larger solar array and a solar battery, you can go “off the grid” and you will no longer need to receive your total power from the local utility company. However, if you maintain a connection to the utility company, you will still receive an electric bill. That said, you can dramatically reduce the cost you pay each month thanks to your solar panels. It’s not uncommon for people to receive a $0 monthly utility bill.

How do solar panels work?

Within each panel, there are solar cells that capture the sunlight and convert it to direct current electricity. This charge is then converted to alternating current by the inverters within the panel. The AC electricity is then used to power your home. In the event your home needs more power than the panels produce, you will still be connected to the electrical grid, and vice versa, surplus solar power will be sold back to the grid.

But what happens on cloudy days or at night?

It’s a common misconception that if there are clouds in the sky or as soon as the sun sets, your home will suddenly go without power. In reality, your solar system is working in these conditions as well. Your system is designed to generate surplus power during the day to offset your consumption needs at night or on particularly cloudy days. This is called net metering when you sell surplus power to the grid for later use. If your system includes a battery, the surplus power will be stored in the battery for use when the grid goes down.

What tax incentives and rebates are available?

At the federal level, there are numerous tax credits that allow you to deduct a percentage of your solar panel installation costs. These tax credits can also be applied toward solar batteries and even in-home electric vehicle chargers.

Incentives and rebates at the state level vary from state to state. Typically, most states will offer tax credits that can be stacked on top of your federal tax credits. Indeed, even some counties and cities offer other incentives. It’s best to check your state and local government websites to find out more about these programs.

What if I need to sell my home after I’ve installed solar panels?

Real estate agents often note that solar panels are an attractive feature for potential home buyers and can substantially improve the market value of the home itself. In fact, a Zillow study showed solar homes sold for an average of 4.6% more in Florida than non-solar homes. If you have a loan or lease on your system at the time of the sale, these contracts are easily transferable to the buyer, or may be paid off early with no penalty.

Are solar panel monitoring systems useful?

For those interested in collecting detailed information about their energy production and usage habits, a solar panel monitoring system is a valuable tool. Using this data, you can make informed choices that help you cut your energy usage, saving you yet more money. It is also a great way to keep track of how much energy your panels are producing and can indicate when your array may be in need of repair.

How can I pay for my new array?

There are numerous ways you can pay for your solar panel installation including zero down financing over 7-25 years resulting in a lower monthly cost than traditional power from the utility company. Our experts are standing by to determine the best option to fit your needs!

Is it easy to care for solar panels?

Yes! Maintaining a solar panel array is surprisingly simple. All you really need to do is make sure that the panels are clear of debris. You may rinse them as needed if they appear dirty, however that is not typically necessary in Florida’s climate.

What markets does Arise Power serve?

Florida and Georgia